576 Tasting Notes

94

Thanks to Azzrian for sending me this one. :)

First off, this is my inaugural Handmade Tea blend and now I’m hooked. :)

This is BEYOND happiness! This tastes like spring in a cuppa, or at least like the sweetest and juiciest apricot juice. It reminds me of California, and my childhood, so I’m instantly flooded with memories of my home state, and all the happiness of growing up in San Diego. (And then I think again, “I must move back!”)

There are candied (?) or at least dried apricots in the blend – I am munching on one, whoops – which I think contribute to the juicy flavor. I can smell a peppery spice, “punch to the palate” indeed.

Just lovely!

TheTeaFairy

Sounds fantastic, love a tea that brings back childhood memories :-)

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95
drank Vanilla Orchid by DAVIDsTEA
576 tasting notes

I’m back in the land of tea and ready to go! I had to cut back for health reasons (doing an experiment) but it turns out that I was right Mr. Doctor and tea has nothing to do with my migraines. So there.

For my first cuppa back on the job, I grabbed one of this. It’s a nice, crisp, clean oolong with a kick of vanilla. I always think I use too much, even though it’s just one tsp, because the tight balls unfurl into long fingers of tea leaves.

This is just delicious! My husband loves it too (I’m working on him)…but prefers it iced.

Josie Jade

Glad you can still enjoy your tea!

KeenTeaThyme

Thanks – me too! :) :)

gmathis

Welcome back!

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No rating as this is one of my own blends.

I was trying to create a soothing tea of cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon. This is the result. I really enjoy this one – it makes me nice and mellow! I’ve added some lemon extract to it, and that’s a nice flavor to blend with this too.

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52

This has a lot of my fave flaves in it: licorice, pink peppercorns, ginger, orange peel and of course green tea. I grabbed it on a whim – to pad my recent DT order so I could reach the $50 for free shipping.

The dry leaves do not smell at all like I would expect. It’s like a cleaning product or something. Uh-oh. As it’s brewing, I smell the same cleaning product smell – yikes! I’m all for cleaning products, don’t get me wrong. I love when my bathroom and kitchens are clean, and that wonderful fresh smell. But in me tea? No thanky.

I gritted my teeth and tried it anyway. It’s not as bad as it smells – but it’s heavy on the sweet ginger taste (ginger + stevia). Not as spicy as I had hoped. There’s also an earthy, as in dirt aftertaste. Ick!

Maybe it would be better iced, with lemon ice cubes or something to combat the ginger overkill?

I’m adding this to my rotation for tea swaps, or maybe I’ll try to sell it in a lot of other David’s Teas.

Me no likey – to quote a character on HIMYM. PASS!

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85

This is one I’ve been wanting to try, so I grabbed it on my recent order.

It’s a decent chai, although not my favorite. It does remind me of fall, as most good chais do. And it’s very cinnamon-y, which is a nice enhancement to chai. I love the pink peppercorns – a fave of mine. There’s just something missing with it that makes it not as promising as others. I can’t put my finger on what though.

Maybe I’m just being a chai snob. I’ll keep at it, maybe this one will get better. I’m not saying it’s terrible – it’s still a great wake-up tea!

CHAroma

I love waking up to chai! Mmmm!

KeenTeaThyme

Agreed! Good stuff! :)

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Need a cup of this to get me moving today. Still have a migraine, but it’s manageable – I’m physically at work. Shocking!

Terri HarpLady

Bummer on the migraine, hang in there & feel better!

Fuzzy_Peachkin

What an odd name for a tea! Hope the migraine subsides!

KeenTeaThyme

It was for a 12 Days of Christmas exchange. And I have a love affair with alliteration. :)

Fuzzy_Peachkin

Alliteration is fun! And mint plus cinnamon bark sounds like a fun combo!

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91
drank Comforting by Aveda
576 tasting notes

One of my fave go-to relaxing teas. I’ve had the bagged version multiple times, but just decided to treat myself to the loose tea variety. I’m in heaven! I always let this steep for the length of the cup, which brings out that licorice sweetness. I did the same thing with the loose leaf variety, which leads to a much stronger and spicier cuppa.

My only issue with the bagged variety is how expensive it is – $17 for a box! But it’s extra indulgent and helps headaches/migraines. Hey, I should be able to write this off as a health expense or at least get HSA reimbursement! ;)

If anyone ever wants to order this, we could split the order to save on shipping. This is one I’ve got to have on hand for the daily migraines, and when I need a little bit of spa. :)

SimplyJenW

There are many recipes online to make your own version of this. So much less expensive.

KeenTeaThyme

I’ve tried multiple times – even my Fresh Start blend – but nothing comes close to the medley of flavors this one has. Have you had any luck?

SimplyJenW

I did change mine up a little. Licorice Root, Spearmint, Holy Basil (some recipes use actual basil) and crushed fennel seed. Look for Jen’s Comfort Tea.

KeenTeaThyme

Thanks! I’ll give it a go. :)

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94

I am lovin’ this one! I’ve worked the bag down several cups and brought it to work today to enjoy. It’s not what I would call a morning cuppa, but it’s just a nice tea to enjoy when you’re not sure what tea to start your day with. :)

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94

My tummy is being very rude today so I’m opting for teas with mint. This is one I’ve tried before, though apparently haven’t logged?

Anyhoo, it’s crisp and refreshing with a twist of chocolate. A nice treat – and nice on my tummy. I’ll write a better note next time!

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92

This is so nice to drink when I have a headache/migraine. I don’t know if it cures me or just makes me not care, but it’s good stuff.

Please see other notes – this isn’t my first migraine rodeo. :(

Bonnie

Feel better…black tea,puer helps my migraines.
Caffeine and l-theanine

KeenTeaThyme

Thanks! I’ll try those sometime. :)

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Profile

Bio

Hello fellow tea fans!
I’ve been a tea enthusiast for years but just recently started brewing my own. I’ve created some blends, and enjoy researching about new teas. I combined my love of tea and writing to create a tea-devoted blog, Keen Tea Thyme. I have been writing for most of my life and am a former journalist with a degree in Communications and Social Psychology, and a minor in Writing. Journalism is in my blood, so that means I’m inquisitive by nature, will double-check sources and/or get a second opinion as needed, but also fair and balanced in my reviews. If my reviews seem more positive, energetic and have high ratings, it’s because I love tea. :)

If you are a tea company, I’d love to review some your tea! Free samples are always welcome so I can fully enjoy the freshest selections. I’m also open to tea swaps as I always have too many teas on hand to drink & would love to share with other tea enthusiasts! :)

My Simple Rating Scale (as of Feb. 2011)
>50: I’m NOT a fan. I could barely finish the cup, if I even did. I wouldn’t even recommend this to my worst enemy. Not worth my time nor yours.

51-65: Good aroma, good flavor. Just nothing pops to give the tea that special kick. Recommended to try; our tasting palates differ.

66-79: Yes, finally, tea – unique flavor profiles, great aroma & flavor. Recommended to try; our tasting palates differ.

80-99: These are cupboard essentials – delicious, aromatic and perfect everyday teas. Re-steepable (beyond at least one steeping). Highly recommended, fun for all ages.

100: These are my favorites, the ones I would take with me if stranded on a desert island. Beyond Highly Recommended.

Just Launched: Keen Tea Thyme @ Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KeenTeaThyme

Check out my shop at Tea Trade:
http://keenteathyme.teatra.de/

Be “keen” on tea at Keen Tea Thyme, my blog:
http://keenteathyme.blogspot.com/
Reviews, blogs, tea leaf readings, puzzles, contests and more.

And check out some of my blends from Adagio:
Toasted Marshmallow
http://www.adagio.com/signature_blend/blend.html?blend=15394&sid=0349b21a92100a51134eea7fc2b52f2d&scrollTop=0

Vampire Lemonade
http://www.adagio.com/signature_blend/blend.html?blend=15766&SID=01971e73a2cbaa7c0b09962b355fdeb8

If you have a signature blend you’d like me to try, we can swap teas! PM me for details! :)

Happy Brewing! :)

Location

Frederick, MD

Website

http://keenteathyme.blogspot....

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